The Volcanic repeating firearms are among the most distinctive and famous antique American firearms, and this incredible pistol is recognized as among the absolute finest Volcanic firearms in existence. It was featured in the "Roll of Honor" in the February 2013 issue of "Man at Arms" and is also featured on page 88 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter where it is listed as "A magnificent Volcanic Repeating Arms Company 8-inch Navy pistol, serial number 1529, cased in walnut." With its extremely high condition, even "magnificent" hardly does it justice! It would be essentially impossible to improve upon. The Volcanic lever action firearms of the mid to late 1850s are very significant antique American firearms and represent integral links in the evolution of lever action firearms. Though they were hampered by their finicky and underpowered ammunition, they demonstrated magazine fed lever action designs were possible and laid the groundwork for the historic New Haven Arms Co. Henry lever action rifles of Civil War fame and the following Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 famously used on the western frontier. As such, a Volcanic pistol is a significant piece for any Winchester collection. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company was formed in July 1855 after the failure of the original Smith & Wesson partnership, and Oliver Winchester became one of the investors . This extraordinary Volcanic pistol is one of the 8 inch barreled Navy "holster" models manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut, prior to the company being re-organized again in April 1857 as the New Haven Arms Co. Per Lewis and Rutter, only approximately 3,000 Navy pistols were completed, this includes multiple barrel length variations. Flayderman's Guide indicates only approximately 1,500 were 8 inch variation. This pistol has a blued octagon barrel and integral magazine, brass frame with silver plated finish, niter blue cartridge elevator, and color casehardened hammer, trigger and loading lever. The two-piece walnut grips have a high gloss varnish finish. The pistol has a nickel-silver cone shaped front sight on the barrel and a fixed, niter blue rear sight mounted in a dovetail on the frame. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854". The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, on the left side of the frame at the butt, and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The pistol frame, side plates, and backstrap are factory engraved with the standard Volcanic style scroll and border engraving. The large, open scrolls have scalloped borders and extend along the top of the frame and the backstrap. The pistol is complete with an original factory case. The walnut, American style case has four compartments and a maroon velvet lining. The case contains the original key, several rare Volcanic bullets, and a cleaning rod.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine have 85% of the original blue finish with very minor edge wear and slight traces of age spotting. 98% all of the original silver plated finish is reaming on the frame and grip straps. The silver is only thinning slightly on the high points of the frame and side plates. The engraving on the frame and backstrap is crisp and deep. The hammer, trigger, and loading lever retain 80% of the muted original case colors. The bottom of the lever and the hammer spur show some minor handling wear, and the case colors have aged to a brown patina. The cartridge elevator and rear sight have 75% of the delicate original niter blue finish. The screw heads have traces of the original niter blue finish and are in excellent condition. The grips are also excellent with nearly all of the original varnish finish and a barely discernible hairline crack in the left grip from the top of the grip to just below the brass screw escutcheon. The factory case exterior is very fine with limited scattered and very minor storage and handling marks. The interior is fine and has dark maroon velvet lining with minor marks and tears from contact with the pistol and slight separation from the edge of the case in the pistol compartment. This pistol is in outstanding condition and would be an important addition to any advanced American Arms collection. No Winchester collection is complete without a Volcanic, and now you have an opportunity for one of the absolute finest!